Are you getting ready for the LSAT and wondering how to fit all your prep into the time you have?
You’re in good company.
After reviewing the most effective LSAT study schedules and data, I’ve found that science shows a consistent study plan helps your brain get quicker at solving problems and remembering information. Over time, this makes problem-solving and recall feel automatic, exactly the skills you need for the LSAT.
Most students spend three to six months getting ready for the LSAT, often fitting in study time around work, school, or sports. Law school admissions can be very competitive, so developing these skills before test day can make all the difference.
In this guide, I’ll share a flexible LSAT study schedule, weekly study hours, and strategies to review weak areas.
Key Takeaways
- Find Your Baseline Score: Take one practice test to see where you stand.
- Match Your Plan to Your Timeframe: Preparation looks different for six months versus one month.
- Make Timed Practice a Priority: Build endurance and pacing by practicing under real test conditions.
- Target Weak Areas: Spend more time on the question types you miss most.
- Review Every Answer: Understand why each correct and incorrect answer is what it is.
Step 1: Find Your Baseline Score and Decide Your Timeline
The first LSAT study schedule step is taking a timed practice test to find your baseline score, then comparing it to your target before setting your timeline.
- Six Months or More: Slower pacing, more concept review, and deeper skill building.
- Three Months: Balanced plan with a mix of learning, timed practice, and full-length exams.
- One Month or Less: High-intensity schedule focused on timed conditions and quick adjustments.
Step 2: Choose Your Study Schedule
If You Have Six Months or More (10–15 hours per week)
Spend the first two months learning every question type without time pressure. Gradually add timed sections and introduce practice tests every two weeks, increasing to weekly tests in the final months.
If You Have Three Months (15–20 hours/week)
Month 1: Build accuracy in logical reasoning and reading comprehension before introducing strict timing.
Month 2: Begin incorporating timed sections and complete one full-length practice test weekly.
Month 3: Practice under full test conditions, following official timing and reviewing answers thoroughly.
Weekly Structure:
- Mon: 1.5 hrs logical reasoning (timed) with post-test review
- Tue: 1.5 hrs reading comprehension set under time pressure
- Wed: 1.5 hrs mixed drills from different LSAT sections
- Thu: 1 hr focused work on your lowest-scoring question types
- Fri: 1.5 hrs timed reading comprehension passages
- Sat: 3 hrs full-length practice test plus answer analysis
- Sun: 2 hrs error log updates and targeted strategy adjustments
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re working full-time, shorten weekday sessions and use weekends for longer study blocks.
If You Have One Month or Less (20–30 hours/week)
Make every session timed and results-focused. Aim for two full-length practice exams each week, using the rest of your time to fix recurring mistakes.
Weekly Structure:
- Mon: 2 hrs logical reasoning sections (timed) with review
- Tue: 2 hrs full reading comprehension section under timed conditions
- Wed: 2 hrs mixed drills on your most challenging question types
- Thu: 1.5 hrs timed logical reasoning plus difficult passages
- Fri: 1.5 hrs timed reading comprehension set with review
- Sat: 3 hrs full-length practice test followed by analysis
- Sun: 3 hrs second full-length practice test and review
💡 Pro Tip: In the final week, keep your focus on pacing, strategy, and refining skills rather than learning brand-new material.
Step 3: Review and Adjust Until Test Day
Keep an error log to spot patterns in missed questions. When reviewing, note the reason for each mistake, identify the question type, and redo similar problems a few days later to reinforce learning.
Test Week Tips
- Keep your last two days light. Focus on confidence, pacing, and reviewing key strategies.
- Prepare your test-day items in advance: ID, admission ticket (if required), and any allowed materials.
How Many Hours Should You Spend on LSAT Prep?
Most students study between 10 and 25 hours per week, depending on their baseline score, target score, and available time. If you have less time before test day, raise your weekly hours and prioritize timed sections, targeted review, and full-length practice exams.
💡 Pro Tip: Track your scores weekly to confirm progress toward your target.
Why This LSAT Study Schedule Works
- Fits any timelines
- Focuses on high-impact LSAT preparation strategies
- Builds endurance for the real exam
- Leaves time for review and adjustments before test day
Should You Consider a Prep Course?
Some test takers choose to follow this LSAT study schedule alongside a prep program, such as Blueprint LSAT or Kaplan, to get additional timed practice tests and structured review. Whether you use an LSAT course or self-study, the key is consistent practice and reviewing every answer.
Final Verdict
After reviewing countless LSAT prep strategies, I have found that the most successful test takers start with a baseline score, choose a realistic timeline, and follow a schedule with regular timed practice exams. Whether you have six months or one month, the core habits stay the same: practice under test conditions, review every answer, and focus on the areas that will move your score the most. Study smart, stay consistent, see results.
FAQs
6–8 full-length exams for most timelines.
Yes, but expect a demanding schedule.
10–25 hours, depending on your time until the test date.
Not always. Disciplined self-study can work if you follow a plan.
Start untimed to build accuracy, then shift to timed work for pacing and endurance.
